# Classy German Pickups The Volkswagen Jetta Truck Kit Turns a Sensible Sedan into an El Camino By Michael Hines | Published 2014-08-17 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-jetta-truck References: [carbuzz](http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2014/8/7/Jetta-Conversion-Kit-Creates-a-Quirky-German-Pickup-7721854/) & [smythkitcars](http://www.smythkitcars.com/) Those who know a thing or two about cars will instantly think of Australia and the El Camino when looking at this stunning Volkswagen Jetta truck kit. Pickup trucks based off of coupes were popular in America many years ago and are still wildly popular in Australia, where they are known as utes. Nowadays, should you want a truck that looks like a car, you'll have to do it yourself. That's where Smyth Kit Cars comes in. The Volkswagen Jetta truck kit sells for $3,500 and requires you to own a fourth-generation Jetta. The company claims the DIY makeover can be completed in a weekend, and once finished your new truck can haul up to 750 pounds. Utes are making a comeback in the U.S. thanks to kit makers and modders, and it may only be a matter of time before one of the big American automakers takes notice. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **DIY Vehicle Modification:** The popularity of DIY vehicle modification kits like the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry. - **Revival of Utes:** The resurgence of pickup trucks based on coupes, like the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit, indicates a potential market for manufacturers to develop modern and stylish utes. - **Innovative Vehicle Hauling Solutions:** The development of compact truck conversions, such as the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit, presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the transportation and logistics industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive:** The DIY vehicle modification trend, as seen with the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit, creates new opportunities for innovation and aftermarket sales in the automotive industry. - **Manufacturing:** The revival of utes based on coupes, demonstrated by the popularity of the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit, opens up possibilities for manufacturers to create specialized conversion kits and accessories. - **Transportation and Logistics:** The emergence of compact truck conversions like the Volkswagen Jetta truck kit presents innovative solutions for efficient and flexible transportation and hauling services. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Custom-Modified Off-Road Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-halftrack-fox.md) - [Luxury Dual-Cab Pickup Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gwagen-crew-cab-by-pit26-motorsports.md) - [Tailgating SUV Functional Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suv-kit.md) - [Compact Electric Campers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-camper.md) - [Beach-Ready Surfing Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-california-surf.md) - [Truck Camper Conversion Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickup-camper-kit.md) - [Conceptual Electric Pickup Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-pickup-trucks.md) - [Off-Grid Truck Campers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auriga-explorer.md) - [Off-Road Converted Camper SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tecrawl-gcamper-kit.md)